Swiftcurrent Lake

Swiftcurrent
Lake lies in the exceptionally scenic Many Glacier Valley in Glacier
National Park. Swiftcurrent Lake itself is absolutely beautiful,
surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks. The water is crystal clear
and remains cool all summer long. For any angler or visitor to Glacier
National Park in search of scenery, any stop must include the entire
Many Glacier Valley and Swiftcurrent Lake in particular.

Swiftcurrent Lake
is different from other lakes in Glacier National Park in that it actually
receives quite a bit of use. Most of the use on Swiftcurrent Lake comes
in the form of recreational uses. Scenic boat rides are available that
take hundreds if not thousands of tourists a day across this scenic
lake and onto Lake Josephine. Numerous
other tourists rent canoes and other boats near the hotel and take
this out on this exceptionally beautiful and clear lake.

Fishing pressure,
on the other hand, is pretty low. Except for people fishing along the
shore near the hotel and a handful more than leisurely fish out in
the middle of the lake, this lake receives little fishing pressure.

The fish found in
Swiftcurrent Lake consist primarily of brook trout. For brook trout,
the fish are decent sized, averaging around 10 inches, with some going
well over a foot.

Access to Swiftcurrent
Lake couldn't be any easier. The hotel area has countless spots that
allow easy car access. In addition, a picnic area just up the road
from the hotel allows for further easy road access. Finally, well-maintained
and marked trails ring the shoreline of the lake, including the beautiful Grinnell
Glacier Trail, allowing for excellent trailside access. The trails
along the shoreline of the lake are basically flat and short, making
for an easy hike.

Fishing from shore
can be done with success. However, like any lake, a boat will allow
for better fishing opportunities. While this lake can be windy, the
wind is not as big of a problem (although it can still be windy!) as
is found further down the valley. As a result, a float
tube, inflatable
raft or canoe will generally
work ok on Swiftcurrent Lake, particularly in the morning hours before
the afternoon "breeze" kicks in.

In addition to the
hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake, the Many Glacier Campground is located
just up the road and provides the only camping facilities in the Many
Glacier Valley. Regarding this campground, a word of warning is due.
This campground fills up very early and quickly during the summer,
so if you want to stay here a night plan on getting here early.